Nicol David…..A Truly Icon of 1Malaysia and Global Champion!!

Friday November 4, 2011

Nicol in Hall of Fame

By AFTAR SINGH

ROTTERDAM: Nicol David will receive the ultimate recognition when she is inducted into the World Squash Federation (WSF) Hall of Fame here tomorrow.

The 28-year-old from Penang, who is going for a record sixth crown at the World Open this week, will be inducted by Tunku Imran Tuanku Jaafar (pic), the WSF Patron and IOC member who is himself a former national squash champion.

Nicol rules supreme in the women’s game and has already achieved legendary status. After becoming the first ever double winner of the biennial world junior title in 2001, she went on to begin an unbroken reign at the top of the world rankings from August, 2006. She is now the second longest-standing world number one of all-time behind Australia’s Susan Devoy, who reigned for 105 months.

Nicol already has 55 Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) titles and equalled the five world titles won by her mentor Sarah Fitz-Gerald.

She has almost single-handedly put Malaysia on the world squash map through her achievements and, earlier this year, won a record eighth national sportswoman of the year award.

Legendary status: Nicol David is now the second longest-standing world No. 1 of all time behind Australia’s Susan Devoy.

Nicol captured the first of her three Asian Games gold medals in 1998, aged just 15, and, in April this year, claimed her eighth successive Asian Championship in Penang.

“It’s great to be recognised in this way while I am still a player and have my achievements compared with the best players the game has seen,” said Nicol. “It’s truly fantastic and I am really honoured.

“But this does not mean I am ready to ride off into the sunset. I am far from finished even though I have been playing the professional circuit for over 10 years.”

Nicol intends to prove just that by bagging her sixth world crown on Sunday.

Related Story:

Nicol tames Egyptian qualifier to reach last eight

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© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Sunday November 6, 2011

Duncalf stands in Nicol’s path towards greatness

By AFTAR SINGH

ROTTERDAM: Nicol David is now just match away of winning her record sixth world title.

The Penangite defeated Dutch veteran Natalie Grinham 11-9, 11-4, 11-6 to seal a place in the final of the World Squash Championships at the Luxor Theatre here yesterday.

The partisan crowd cheered for the Australian-born Natalie, who is married to Dutchman Tommy Berden, the tournament director.

But that did not stop the Amsterdam-based Nicol from working her magic and winning the match in straight sets.

Final hurdle: England’s Jenny Duncalf takes on Malaysia’s Nicol David in the World Squash Championships final today.

The 28-year-old Nicol, who is in top form and has yet to drop a set in four matches, will face world No. 2 Jenny Duncalf for a place in the final.

Nicol started off well to take a 6-3 lead in the first set. But a lapse in concentration allowed Natalie to catch up and go 9-7 up.

The world No. 1 seems to thrive on pressure and she conjured up some excellent shots to collect four straight points for the opening set win.

The Malaysian took the second set easily. Not only did Natalie make unforced errors, she also hit her shots into the tin five times.

Four-time finalist Natalie gave it a real go in the third set but Nicol was just a class above.

Nicol said it felt great to have beaten Natalie in straight sets.

“It was a close first set ... Natalie played really well. It was important for me to win the first set and I had to bring out my best,” said Nicol, who now hopes to create history by winning her sixth world title.

“I hope to go one better than my mentor Sarah (Fitz-Gerald), who is the five-time world champion.

“But I can expect a strong challenge from Jenny, who will be going all to beat me for her first world title.”

Duncalf too had no problems ousting world No. 17 Samantha Teran of Mexico 11-9, 11-4, 11-7 in an earlier semi-final.

For the record, Nicol has met Duncalf 21 times – with the Malaysian winning 19 of those matches.

Their last meeting saw Nicol winning in straight sets in the final of Australian Open in August.

This will be the first time Nicol will be meeting Duncalf in the final of the world meet.

Duncalf was pleased as punch to have reached the final of the world meet for the first time.

“I am looking forward to giving my best in the final. I had a good match against Samantha and I believe I can play much better in the final,” said Duncalf.

Teran, who stunned 2007 world champion and world No. 5 Rachael Grinham of Australia in the second round, was also happy with her overall performance.

“I am the first Mexican player to have reached the semi-finals. I gave my best against Jenny but she was just too good,” said Teran, who is also based in Amsterdam.

Results

MEN

Quarter-finals: Nick Matthew (Eng) bt Peter Barker (Eng) 6- 11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-5; Karim Darwish (Egy) bt David Palmer (Aus) 11-9, 11-7, 11-1; James Willstrop (Eng) bt Amr Shabana (Egy) 11-8, 11-2, 11-13, 11-1; Gregory Gaultier (Fra) bt Ramy Ashour (Egy) 11-8, 11-1, 1-0 (rtd).

WOMEN

Quarter-finals: Nicol David (Mas) bt Kasey Brown (Aus) 11- 7, 12-10, 11-4; Natalie Grinham (Hol) bt Low Wee Wern (Mas) 11-7, 11-7, 11-5; Samantha Teran (Mex) bt Dipika Pallikal (Ind) 11-6, 11-8, 11-9; Jenny Duncalf (Eng) bt Laura Massaro (Eng) 11-9, 11-7, 11-7.

Semi-finals: Nicol David (Mas) bt Natalie Grinham (Hol) 11-9, 11-4, 11-6; Jenny Duncalf (Eng) bt Samantha Teran (Mex) 11-9, 11-4, 11-7.

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© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Monday November 7, 2011

Nicol claims her record sixth world title in emphatic style

By AFTAR SINGH

ROTTERDAM: Nicol David created history by winning her sixth world title in emphatic fashion at the Luxor Theatre here yesterday with the promise of more to come.

The undisputed queen of world squash was in devastating form as she pulverised long-time rival and world No. 2 Jenny Duncalf of England 11-2, 11-5, 11-0 in just 29 minutes in the final of the World Open.

It was a perfect six for Nicol – six wins from six finals at the world meet, making her the most successful woman player in the history of the game.

Ruthless: Malaysia’s Nicol David (right) returning a shot to England’s Jenny Duncalf during their World Open squash final in Rotterdam Sunday. — AFP

She had earlier shared the honour, five titles apiece, with her mentor Sarah FitzGerald of Australia.

The triumph is the latest narrative in the storied life of Malaysia’s greatest sports star. The 28-year-old Nicol, who turned pro in 2000, won her other world titles in Hong Kong (2005), Belfast, Northern Ireland (2006), Manchester (2008), Amsterdam (2009) and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, last year.

The world crown yesterday was also Nicol’s 56th Wispa title and ninth of the year.

It was her 27th win over Duncalf in 29 meetings. Nicol received US$21,188 while Duncalf pocketed US$13,656.

Nicol, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame on Saturday for her outstanding accomplishments, got off to a flying start in the first set winning 11-2 in just nine minutes.

Nicol David celebrates with her trophy after winning the final squash match against England's Jenny Duncalf during the World Open, at the Luxor Theater in Rotterdam on Sunday.

Duncalf, featuring in her first final, was out of sorts and completely outplayed in every aspect of the game.

In the second set, Nicol playing in her 10th world meet, took a comfortable 8-3 lead before dropping just two points to seal victory.

A deflated Duncalf just melted under Nicol’s relentless attack and meekly surrendered the third 11-0.

An elated Nicol said she didn’t quite know how to describe her joy in winning her record sixth world title.

“Winning the crown is a huge thing for Malaysia as we don’t have many world champions in sports,” said Nicol, whose parents Desmond and Mary Ann were in Rotterdam to watch their daughter make history.

“I’m really happy to repay my fellow Malaysians for all their support by winning the world title for them.

“My only wish now is to play in the Olympics. I would happily trade my six world titles for the sport to be included in the Olympic Games,” said Nicol, adding that she wasn’t done winning titles yet - not by a long shot.

A disheartened Duncalf said that she had been totally outclassed by Nicol.

“I was hoping to win the final as an early birthday present but it was not to be,” said Duncalf, who turns 29 on Thursday.

In the men’s competition, world No. 1 Nick Matthew of England retained the world title after coming back from a set down to beat sixth seed Gregory Gaultier of France 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5 in the final.

Matthew received US$26,220 for his efforts while Gaultier took home US$16,388.

Results

Men

Semi-finals: Nick Matthew (Eng) bt Karim Darwish (Egy) 11-9,11-9, 11-1; Gregory Gaultier (Fra) bt James Willstrop (Eng) 11-6, 11-8, 11-4.

Final: Nick Matthew (Eng) bt Gregory Gaultier (Fra) 11-9, 11-6, 11-5

Women

Semi-finals: Nicol David (Mas) bt Natalie Grinham (Hol)

11-9, 11-4, 11-6; Jenny Duncalf (Eng) bt Samantha Teran (Mex) 11-9, 11-4, 11-7.

Final: Nicol David (Mas) bt Jenny Duncalf (Eng) 11-2, 11-5,11-0.

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© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Published: Sunday November 6, 2011 MYT 10:05:00 PM

Nicol wins record sixth world crown

ROTTERDAM: World No. 1 Nicol David created history by outplaying long-time rival and world No. 2 Jenny Duncalf of England to become the first woman player to win a record six world championship squash titles at the Luxor Theatre here on Sunday.

Nicol played superbly to win 11-2, 11-5, 11-0 in just 29 minutes.

It was her sixth appearance in the final of the world championships and she has won all now.

The Malaysian is the first Women’s International Squash Players Association (Wispa) player to win six world titles, since the inception of the tournament in 1976.

The 28-year-old Nicol, who turned pro in 2000, won her other world titles in Hong Kong (2005), Belfast (2006), Manchester (2008), Amsterdam (2009) and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt last year.
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© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)  

Wednesday November 9, 2011

Zulfadli must emulate Nicol’s way to success

IT was a proud moment for the country when Zulfadli Zulkifli was crowned junior world badminton champion in Taipei on Sunday.

He is the first Malaysian to win that singular honour but, more than a record breaking feat, his exploit has opened up a new facet in Malaysian badminton – that an independent player can survive and make it to the top.

Unlike the others, Zulfadli is neither a product of the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) centralised training programme nor the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), proving that one does not have to be part of the system to be successful in sport. He is not even on National Sports Council (NSC) payroll.

Zulfadli has many individual sponsors to thank for his meterioc rise. He trained with the Selangor Badminton Association (SBA) before switching to Kuala Lumpur BA in his younger days,

He then join professional club KLRC in 2007 and that is where his game really took off. He was given plenty of international exposure and a platform to soar for which he will always be grateful.

This, his breakthrough year, saw him bag the Asian junior title in Lucknow, India, before his crowning glory at the world meet in Taipei. It showed, above all else, that a club player can co-exist with the national body and win honours for the country.

This partnership, or healthy rivalry if you would have it, should be left alone to thrive in the present eco-system of the sport for several reasons.

Not only will it keep the BAM on their toes but it will discourage them from getting too autocratic or complacent. It will certainly make them re-evaluate their singles coaching programme as they will not want to be overshadowed by the clubs. This will work to the benefit of the game.

Zulfadli’s victory also proves that an independent player can share the burden, mission and vision of the BA of Malaysia. More clubs should be inspired by his win as it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that the national association can, and must, co-exist with the clubs to nurture and produce champions.

China, Denmark and South Korea have a prolific production line of talent because of their dynamic club system which complements the efforts of the national associations.

In a way, the 18-year-old Zulfadli has revolutionised Malaysian badminton - opening up new boundaries and possibilities in the sport.

The challenge now is not allowing anything to distract him as he takes his game to the highest level.

He must stay grounded and not let success go to his head. This is not the right time to shower him with showy rewards or turn his head. Zulfadli deserves praise for his achievements but let us not overdo it and spoil him. We have seen what that does to our sportsmen.

Zulfadli has his father, who is also his coach, to guide him away from the pitfalls of success. But success is a fickle and cruel mistress, who will seduce you with false promises - coddle you one minute and spurn you the next.

The sponsors will be lining up to cash in on his moment of fame, but Zulfadli must learn to recognise the imposters from the genuine article.

He has the perfect role model to look up to. On the same day that Zulfadli lived his dream, Malaysia’s squash darling Nicol David gave an astounding show of power to win her sixth world title - underlining her reign as the most successful player in her sport.

The former world junior champion has not allowed the trappings of success to spoil her. She has remained committed and grounded, that is why she is still on top of her game and the world after 11 years as a professional.

At 28, and having won everything there is to win in squash, Nicol remains hungry for more glory. That is the hallmark of a true, and enduring, champion.

Zulfadli must emulate Nicol if he is to be a world beater and not fall by the wayside like so many others before him who excelled at junior level only to fail when it mattered.

Maybe then he can achieve what Nicol never will - an Olympic gold medal, perhaps at the Rio de Janeiro Games in 2016.

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© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Tuesday November 8, 2011

‘Queen’ Nicol deserves every support from Govt

IT made me proud of Malaysia when I read of the achievements of Zulfadli Zulkifli and Nelson Heg Wei Keat-Teo Ee Yi (world junior singles and boys’ doubles champions in badminton) and Datuk Nicol David (her sixth world squash title). Syabas to all of them!

However, I wish to express my disappointment with our Government’s response to all the achievements of Datuk Nicol David. Based on her outstanding track record I would consider her the best and most accomplished Malaysian sportsperson ever!

I believe it is time that the Government, in recognition of her achievements and in the true spirit of 1Malaysia, reward her appropriately. She should be provided every support by our Government to continue with her winning ways!

She has brought our country such fame and recognition in squash.

Congratulations again to Datuk Nicol David. Do us proud with many more world titles.

Dr ABED ONN,

Subang Jaya.

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© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

World champion Nicol vows to keep on breaking records

Tuesday November 8, 2011

World champion Nicol vows to keep on breaking records

By AFTAR SINGH

ROTTERDAM: The past few days have been a dream for Nicol David and she has had more than her share of priceless moments.

First, the squash legend from Penang, who has been based in Amsterdam since 2003, was inducted into her sport’s Hall of Fame on Saturday for her amazing accomplishments.

A day later, the long reigning world No. 1 created history by winning a record sixth world title - the first woman to do so in the 35-year history of the championships.

Moving forward: With the world title under her belt, Nicol David will now go for a record sixth Hong Kong Open title this month.

Nicol has won all the major tournaments her sport has to offer and no other Malaysian athlete comes close to matching her achievements – 56 titles and still counting.

What was really amazing is the way she played in the final, pummelling world No. 2 Jenny Duncalf of England into submission in straight sets - 11-2, 11-5, 11-0 - in just 29 minutes. Such was her domination that Duncalf simply surrendered.

The 28-year-old Nicol, who has been the world No. 1 since August 2006, said that the win over Duncalf was the pinnacle of her professional career which began in 2000.

“It was my best performance to date. I didn’t want anyone else, but me, to put their hands on the trophy,” she said.

“Winning was great and the record means the world to me,” said Nicol, who surpassed the previous milestone of five titles she jointly held with her mentor, Australian Sarah FitzGerald.

But far from being satisfied, Nicol is hungry for even more success and plans to play on for another five to seven years. That is bad news for her rivals.

“I hope to stay injury-free and win many more tournaments. Per¬haps even a few more world titles so that nobody can overhaul my record,” she said with a glint in her eye.

Nicol’s 56 Wispa titles put her level with former world champion Michelle Martin of Australia. She now wants to beat FitzGerald’s record of 62 to seal her reputation as the best player in the history of the game.

That should be a breeze if Nicol keeps playing like she did in Rotter¬dam. And given her insatiable appetite for records, it will be some time yet before the final chapter of the Nicol David legend is written.

“Winning always feels good. But the pressure is mounting as there are several young players beginning to make their mark. The Egyptian girls have plenty of potential and are a real threat,” said Nicol.

“I have to work two to three times harder to stay on top. I will continue training in Amsterdam under coach Liz Irving as it has been a highly successful arrangement.

Nicol’s only regret is that she will not be able to add an Olympic gold medal to her impressive collection of trophies.

“It’s a pity that the IOC (Inter¬na¬tion¬al Olympic Committee) have not deem¬ed it fit to include squash in the Games,” lamented Nicol, who won the world junior title in 1999 and 2001.

She has also won the World Games title twice - Duisburg, Germany, in 2005, and Kaohsiung, Taiwan, in 2009 - and bagged three British Open titles - in 2005, 2006 and 2008.

Nicol is the first Malaysian to win the Commonwealth Games squash gold medal - at New Delhi last year - and has won eight Asian championships and three Asian Games -1998, 2006 and last year - gold medals.

She has also won the Wispa’s Player of the Year award five times since 2006.

That is a giddy list of achievements by any standard and Nicol is taking a well-deserved break after her Rotter¬dam high. She is going on a Roman holiday with her parents Desmond and Mary Ann.

“My parents have never been to Rome and I need a rest after winning the world title,” said Nicol, whose next last assignment of the year is the Hong Kong Open starting on Nov 15.

She will be gunning for another record in Hong Kong too – her sixth consecutive title.

Nicol’s male counterpart, Nick Matthew also lived up to his top ranking in the world championships. Matthew beat Gregory Gaultier of France 6-11, 11-9, 11-6, 11-5 to win the crown for the second time on Sunday.
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© 1995-2011 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)

Friday November 4, 2011

Nicol tames Egyptian qualifier to reach last eight

ROTTERDAM: World No. 1 Nicol David faced some resistance from young Egyptian qualifier Nour El Sherbini before reaching the quarter-finals of the World Squash Championships at Luxor Theatre here yesterday.

The 28-year-old Penangite, who is based in Amsterdam, won 11-7, 11-6, 11-7 in 32 minutes.

Nicol, who won the Wispa best player award for the fifth time, faces her first real challenge when she meets her nemesis, sixth seed Kasey Brown of Australia, in the quarter-finals.

Brown, who upset Nicol in the quarter-finals of the United States Open in Philadelphia last month, came back from a set down to edge 11th seed Raneem El Weleily of Egypt 4-11, 11-7, 11-3, 6-11, 11-8.

Nicol was glad to beat Sherbini, who upset world No. 13 Donna Urquhart of Australia in the first round, in straight sets.

“She is one talented player who plays well beyond her 16 years,” said Nicol. “She has good shots but I made sure that I controlled the court and the game. It’s going to be a great battle against Kasey. I will have to raise my game and stay focused if I am to beat her.”

World No. 17 Samantha Teran scored the biggest win of her career when she came back from a set down to stun 2007 champion and world No. 5 Rachael Grinham of Australia 4-11, 11-2, 11-3, 12-10 in 53 minutes.

Teran will face India’s Dipika Pallikal for a place in the semi-finals. Qualifier Kanzy El Dafrawy’s fine run ended at the hands of Dipika who won 11-6, 11-7, 11-7.

World No. 2 Jenny Duncalf of England beat Joelle King of New Zealand 11-8, 7-11, 11-1, 11-3 and will square off against countrywoman Laura Massaro, who upset her in the semi-finals of the US Open last month.

Meanwhile, two-time former world champion David Palmer just got the better of fellow 35-year-old Thierry Lincou in a stunning and thrilling third round match on Wednesday.

The Australian beat the Frenchman 11-9, 3-11, 11-8, 6-11, 11-9 in a contest of remarkable courage and endurance between the two oldest men on the tour, and with such tremendous rallies that it brought the crowd to its feet several times.

Related Stories:

Nicol in Hall of Fame_______________________________________

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